Game of Pharaohs








Game of Pharaohs
by Camal, Japan, and Dameona of Reach Incorporated
Camal, Japan, and Dameona are good kids, but struggling students. They’ve decided homework is pointless, and they’d rather just play their video game. One night when the kids refuse to stop playing, they are sucked into the world of The Pharaohs, where now they must complete challenges in their weakest subjects in school to make it out. Characters (and readers!) must solve hieroglyphic word puzzles, find their way through science-related mazes, and complete math mysteries on their path to earning their Pharaoh crowns and returning to the real world. Can they challenge themselves and learn to ask for help in time to make it out of the game?
ISBN: 978-1-950807-06-2
Age: 4-9
Lexile: GN530L
Page Count: 42
Published: 2019
Meet the Authors
As reading tutors to elementary-aged students, the teens of Reach noticed that few children's books reflected their lived experience as youth of color. So they decided to take action and write their own. Now these D.C. teens are diversifying children's literature, one smart-fun-real-brave-bold story at a time.
Dameona was in the 11th grade at Ballou High School when she wrote her book. She likes to go shopping and spend money!
Camal was in the 11th grade when he wrote his first book with Shout Mouse Press and was 19 when he wrote What It Cost Us. He graduated from Coolidge High School, and did one year at Arizona State University. During his free time, he likes to work and travel. In the future, he hopes to get a job in the Marine Corps as an aviation mechanic and earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Recognition & Impact
Shout Mouse Press was named a 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Award Program Successful Practice Honoree.
Shout Mouse Press is so proud to see our youth authors spotlighted in this feature on Apple Newsroom. Since 2014, our authors have been addressing the diversity gap in children’s and young adult literature by using their own lived experiences to create authentic and inclusive stories. We are very grateful for Apple’s investment through their Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) to sustain our essential work amplifying diverse youth voices.
Shout Mouse Press’ writing programs and books were featured in an article on Reasons to Be Cheerful.
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